Forecasts with amber weather warnings by the Met Office suggest there may be highway disruption, possible power outages and potential flooding as a result of Storm Isha that expected to bring heavy rain and winds of 80mph.
A multi-agency response is being prepared and Cumbria Local Resilience Forum has met to ensure any response is coordinated so communities can access any help and support they need.
Among the hazards expected are strong winds, This could cause airborne debris and fallen trees, highway disruption and may pose a potential hazard to pedestrians, motorists and stationary vehicles.
Spells of moderate to heavy rain will add to challenging travel conditions and pose a flood risk.
Residents are asked to plan ahead and:
- Secure any loose items around your home and garden, such as rubbish bins, trampolines, plant pots and garden furniture, to minimise the risk of floating debris and damage.
- Speak in advance to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
- Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the affected times.
- Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
- Be aware of the weather warning and avoid planning travel during this time if possible.
- If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
- Stay clear of coastal areas during the affected times.
- Stay away from the fells well in advance of the affected times to keep you and mountain rescue volunteers safe.
- Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
- Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down.
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Police, said: “At this stage we would ask people to prepare and follow the advice being given to minimise the impact of this storm.
“The public can be reassured that all agencies are working together to ensure our communities have access to the help and support they may need.
“But we would ask them to make themselves aware of the key contacts and ensure any vulnerable people within our communities are also aware and prepared.”
To report any issues - or if you need help for yourself or someone vulnerable - please see the following agencies’ contact details.
- Electricity North West can be contacted on 105 for power cuts, but please only call if your query is urgent to help prioritise customers in the most vulnerable circumstances. For more information, please visit www.enwl.co.uk.
- For water supply issues contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723
- Problems with the roads contact Westmorland and Furness to report highways emergencies that require immediate attention such as a fallen tree or flooding to the authority’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306. For less serious issues, complete the highways online reporting form found at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
- Contact https://www.cumbria.police.uk/ro/report/ or call 101 if you have concerns about your own safety and well-being, or the safety and well-being of someone you know. If there is an immediate risk to life call 999.
The Environment Agency has said river levels are rising steadily on the Rivers Lowther and Eamont due to heavy rainfall with Flood possible from the Rivers Lowther, Eamont and other watercourses from 01:30 AM on Sunday 21/01/2024 to Monday 22/01/2024 with river levels already rising at environment agency Pooley Bridge and Dacre river level monitoring gauges.
The flood warning area extends to cover areas of Penrith with becks running through the town into the river Eamont.
The environment agency said “We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area.”
“Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”
The Penrith.Town team will bring all the latest updates from the multi agency response team and latest forecast updates throughout the day and into Monday as Storm Isha moves across the area.
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